Teacher (s)

As a someone who grew up in a small town Lamka ( South Manipur) during the 80s and 90s , life is not so complicated or complex. School life , particularly till 10th class is the most memorable in one's life , as far as I am concern. Besides memory of classmates , events and incidents, anecdotes, one interesting memory would be the variety of teachers for each subjects we have. I would admit, some teachers are real fun, some are real 'scary', some really do impact your life. Punishment was common, like beating with use of stick and writing a sentence a thousand times etc. I have had it all !!

I don't like Maths, so I don't like the Maths teacher. And I think most mathematics teachers don't like me ! In the sense they would focus mostly on those who are good in Maths in the class. Yes, english class is nice. But history is boring ( perhaps i would have had some inclination or interest had those history books have some history about Manipur or my own land and its people). Economic was interesting- but alas it was just an 'ádditional'- optional subject. Teachers in higher education were altogether a different lot.


One most common question one asked a child is "what will you be when you grew up". The answer in most case would be "A TEACHER". Indeed Teacher(s) are one human who inspire you, you want to be like them! Yes, I had always wanted to be a teacher. For me thats one of the very few profession I can think of in those days.  The others are engineer, doctor, or office clerk !

Indeed I had the privilege to be one. sometime between 1997-2000. It was a very peaceful job. The most enjoyable part of being a teacher is seeing a child grow under your own eyes. It is very fulfilling when students "learn"something from you, through you. Their curious eyes, unending questions ( and students think you know everything!) always remain in my mind. Every morning when you are greeted with such an innocence, makes you forget your woes and worries.

There is the difficult part too. A teacher needed to be tip-top - on time, formal, and well dressed! You cannot be sitting idle in front of the students. The students must be made to be active all day ( thus the teacher) S/he cannot be at fault. S/he must know - all, Phew !

Teaching is something that is considered one of the easiest job or the simplest . It is so wrong. It is one hell of a tough job.


PostScript: One big learning from my teaching days is that one can understand the character , behaviour, attitude, overall performance of a child  from his/her upbringing , family background and social environment.

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MoM

It’s been five months

I still have no words, no lines, no sentences to write about you, of you or to you.

I tried , but failed

Oh, writing is such a hard thing, a difficult one

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Is Gandhi Still Relevant ?

On October 2nd 2016, I happened to visit Sabarmati Ashram (Gandhi Ashram) in Ahmedabad. I was feeling a sort of anxious, not sure of what it would be like to see the place where Gandhiji, the father of the Nation had actually lived, ‘practice what he preach’, and carry out one of the greatest revolution in history.

The three wheeler that took me stopped at an entrance. I had expected a symbolic ‘gate’ or at least some ‘guard’ or a huge entrance sort of. I even thought there would be some kind of a frisking / checking ?  

If one did not know the place there is no indication that it an important historical place. It was on roadside like any other recreational spaces. Anyone, people, visitors just went in. There was no formality.

I went around, like any other ‘tourist’ or a visitor, though there are very few actual ‘foreign tourist’. There were a few children gathering in one of the space for prayer and bhajan.

It was in the afternoon,  people started gathering at one place where a meeting/ observance of the day was being organized. Most of them Gandhians, elderly and definitely not young. There  was music and speeches.

The small cottages that adorned the ashram  were well maintained, neat and clean. These are basically  the remains of Gandhiji and his followers. The hall(s )that has a collection and chronicles of Gandhi and his activities of  were a lot of learnings and insights into Gandhiji led movement - His ideology, his teachings.

The Sabarmati Ashram has quite a lot of visitors. Families, students, youths, foreigners. It is a still a happening place.

The stark reality though is   that this Ashram is more like a “photo studio” a setting for taking pictures. It indeed appears like a place where people come for taking Photographs. All the more as everyone has a mobile phone, people posed not only in front of the cottages, but inside , such as where Gandhi was supposed to be spinning the Chakra etc. Of course, it is indeed mementoes and memorable in take pictures in such historical, important place.

It felt a bit odd to see people just came, posed, take picture, and move on. Everyone let alone a few. No one seems interested to observe or see or understand those symbolic remains.

It was bit confusing. I was perplexed and bit puzzled.

The famous meeting between the Nagas ( NNC) and Mahatma Gandhi came into my mind. What did Gandhi actually say to the Nagas? What does Gandhi really mean when he said Nagas are ‘Independent’?

Later, I remember reading the book “ The Night of The Guerrillas “ where the Author had  reproduced the actual conversation between the Naga delegates and Gandhi. Gandhi had said “As I can see, you are all slaves. From where do you get your clothes? ” What of your food?’

It slowly dawn on me what Gandhi was trying to explain, in the simplest form of what independence, freedom is as an individual and people. It was said that had Gandhi been alive a little longer it could have changed the course of Naga history. Indeed not only the Nagas but the whole of north-east India.

Gandhi is a living example. Sabarmati Ashram stands as witness to it and the collection of his works , his famous quotes are all enough to give us a guiding principles of what freedom means and what freedom is. Unfortunately though all this serves as mere backdrop for photo album today. Or so it seems.

 Is Gandhi still relevant today ? many argued the times and situation is different now. 

Given the situation, particularly in north-east India, perhaps it need to contextualize and re-interpret Gandhi’s philosophy and ideology

Are You Alone ?

This is a repeated question that has been asked again and again. The question doesn’t come once or from people who meet you for the first time.

The question is more often repeated by people whom I met every now and then. You start a conversation, after a few pleasantries ..the same line follows..  you live alone?

My own neighbor(s) would ask ..are you alone ? or you go and visit neighbor(s) for a chat or some work –the same line pop ups in between.

At times the question may come in a different form. Like you start a conversation , gossip or small day to day conversations , about food, about a new lipstick or a new tops or even about current affairs… ..oh, you are alone, that's why !!

If I get up late, the reason is ..you are alone ..so..

You don’t feel like having a big meal ..the remark would be ..oh..you are alone so…

 You do something , or you share some-thing ..the remark is ..you are alone..that's why 

Everything seems to happen because one is alone. 

You are alone so you feel like that or  felt that way, You are alone so you behave like that or you think like that.  

People also mean ( indirectly) .aren’t you lonely ? oh yes, people do feel lonely. I could sense some could be a ‘sympathy’ ..yes no human being want to be alone . We are social beings. 

And another is .oh, your room (house) is so big ! Big ? it’s two room ( 10 x 2 ft sq room ).

I can understand the finance part. The other meaning is obvious.

In metro city, people coming from north-eat India , if I am not mistaken , do not afford to live ‘alone’. Either a cousin , a cousin’s cousin or a friend is there to share the room. That everybody knows. It does ( seemingly) helps in economy , safety and security and of course – community connections. People should stick to their community or the clan or the relatives ! period!

I do not have the liberty to live alone, let alone , loneliness. Quite few times, I do have the liberty to spread myself alone in the 2 room set (mind you this is not even a DDA flat) Some people are certainly ‘curious’ as to how come a woman lives alone ? that too in a city ?.  Yes there is an underlying 'curiosity ' and un-pronounced the message in those statement(s).  

Perhaps, people don’t have anything else interesting to discuss than about “living alone”. Maybe I am boring or they are extremely boring. 

Worst , if one avoids "interacting” the next comment is “how come you are not socialising?”. Does avoiding certain people to avoid "irritating, boring and repeated lines" means not socialising? NO. 

 


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11 transfers in 4 district in 37 years of service under Manipur government.

Anecdotes of Vialzakham Hanghal ( my father) as told to me through verbal/ oral recollections and hand written notes.

 The Job hunt !

It was after election in 1967 , I went down to Lamka ( Churachanpur district headquarter ) from my village – Phaitong khua ( Thanlon Sub – Division) , to check out for any available employment. On the way between Songtal and Hanship, at Gelkhawlmun – a wayside resting place in between villages, I met the village postman. As we sat down and exchanged pleasantries, we checked if there is any letters for Phaitong khua. The postman a popular person those days, took out a bundle of envelops from his Sakhaupi (traditionally woven bag ) . I was particularly curious and nervous, impatient as he checked the names on the envelopes.

Lo ! finally, he took out a brown envelop with my name written clearly on it. I hurriedly opened and saw that it was letter from the office of employment exchange in Imphal. The contents says “ I hereby informed you that you are required to report to the office of the National Cadet Corps Headquarters, D.M. College, Imphal, immediately for appointment to the post of a Clerk” .

I was filled with Joy.

Once I reached Lamka , I met Pu T.Goukhenpau, our elected representative and along with him and my Maternal Uncle we went down to Imphal to report to the Commanding officer of the NCC. There I was asked to underwent a typing test.

But failed.

Immediately, I was informed that I am not qualified to join the service. Though I did very well in the written examination, since I never learn typing nor had never laid my hands on a type writer I could not qualify the post.

With no other alternative, I went to the employment exchange and submitted my name for re-listing in the un-employed list and left Imphal. 

Luckily within two weeks, I got another brown enveloped from the Employment Exchange directing me to report to the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records, Imphal.  I immediately rushed to Imphal once again with high hopes. Once again I was asked to do a typing test.

Months passed no information about any appointment or call letter to join the said post or service. I began restless and apprehensive. Finally pulling myself with confidence I went to meet Pu T. Goukhenpau again. I narrated my problem to him and about the typing test as well.

Immediately Pu Goukhenpau made telephone calls ( to / with whom I do not know) inquiring about the matter.  I hear him say (almost shouting) on the phone “How do you expect a Tribal, from far away hills, to have knowledge of typing? Don’t you know that there is no Typing institute/ school in the Tribal – hill areas?” Pu Goukhenpau went on “ Don’t you know that according to the law , after 3 months of appointment  - not before appointment, of a  tribal staff, he/she is expected to acquire a typing skills and subsequently a speed of 25 words per minute ? ”  

The telephone communication did worked.

On 20 April 1967 I was appointed as a clerk in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Department of Settlement and Land Record, Central District , Imphal. Immediately after appointment, I enrolled myself for three months course at a typing institute in Lamphelpat. Not only that, as soon as I got into office and whenever “the Remington” is free, my hand would automatically go for practice a,s,d,f,; I even offered to do extra typing work . Within five months I could type 75-80 words per minute. I became the favourite in the office and in case of emergency and important matters I became the main person for the job of typing.

In 1974 , at the time of the inauguration of Tengnoupal District Council , I still remember, on an emergency the booklet “ Manual of District Council” Manipur, was typed out by me and readied within a week. This earned me an extra few hundred for the overtime duty. It was quite satisfying.

I felt then, I would definitely topped the typing test if there is any competition from now on !!  

1967-1969 – Central District – Imphal

Untill 1969 Manipur was under a single administrative unit - Central District ( Imphal) under one Deputy Commissioner (DC) . The then DC was Pu S.C Vaish IAS. In December 1969 Manipur was divide into 5 (five) district.

Central District - Imphal also covering Tengnoupal Sub Division and Jiribam Sub Division.

Manipur East District – Ukhrul ( the first DC was Pu T.C Tiankham)

Manipur West – Tamenglong ( the first DC was Pu L.Singh)

Manipur North – Karong ( now Senapati) first DC was Pu D.S. Kapoor;

Manipur South- Churachandpur  (the first DC was Pu A.S. Tayeng)

Later in 1974 Tengnoupal Sub Division was upgraded into a District with Pu H.V Lalringa as the first DC. The name of the district was later changed to Chandel district. Over all administrative head is the Central DC in Imphal. His official Bungalow is his main Office where he attends the Office in Lamphelpat on court days and important official meetings only. I began my journey as a young clerk hoping between these two important office of administration in Manipur.

Between 1967 – 1968 our DC, who also is the Director of Settlement and Land Records was Pu A. Bhattacharjee. He is young smart officer from Bihar (more of an egoist I would say!). The Directorate of Settlement maintains all Record of Land Reforms Acts, Maps and Surveys conducted in 1960.  The records include private land allotment, society land allotment and govt land allotment.

Under the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act 1960 ( MLR and LR act 1960) a survey was conducted in all valley areas and parts of Churachandpur District too was also surveyed . Thus parts of Churachandpur came under the Settlement Department. All this surveyed lands in CCPur district were given under several names such as - 58 - Thingkangphai;  59 - Kamsontumbi ;  96 – Khopibung;  98 – Torbung;   99 - Bijang;    100- Saikot;  103 –Matarok;  104 – Lanva tampak;   105 - Hengkeng; 106 - Ngoiphai; 107 – Chokcholphai; 109 – Kekru Tampak 

So too , parts of Chandel district and Jiribam and Kangpokpi were also survey under the MLR and LR act. Under the MLR and LR Act section 158 (A) there is   a provision of protection of Tribal land. According to the provision, no tribal land can be transferred to a non - tribal unless a “no objection” certificate is issued by the District Council. After the District Council issue a no objection certificate , only then the Deputy Commissioner can give permission for transfer( buying and selling) of land in Tribal areas.

Unfortunately, I have to admit this were misused rampantly, where we can see many non tribals residing in tribal lands. To the extent of establishing ‘residential veng / leikais’ ( veng - smaller than a village ).  

During those years, there is mutual respect, discipline and dignity, even a small clerk like us is treated with respect both by officers, seniors and general public. Public visitors to the office would approach us with respect and courtesy.  Our senior officers were caring and they would guide us in making us understand our work and help us learn. Moreover we do not experience much of political interferences in our work in my earliest years of service in the state Government.  We all came on our own merit. Perhaps that is why there was more discipline and mutual respect among us.

Brought up in Government school, reading and writing in Meiteilon, I thought I am quite fluent in meiteilon , I realised I hadn’t really mastered it. I had real hard time in the office in the state central administration in Imphal

In 1970 the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records was squeezed and staffs were deputed in several revenue departments.  There was a major transfer and posting of staffs at the different new Districts headquarters, Ukhrul, Senapati, CCpur, Tamenglong and Chandel.  This came during the All India general census so all of us L.D.Cs (lower division clerk) were utilised for said census survey as well.

I was transferred to Chakpikarong sub division in Tengnoupal district ( now Chandel). A place I had never been nor have any idea about the place nor about the people of the district.  

Chakpikarong was under a sub deputy collector, S.D.C. The then SDC was Pu Y Saratchandra, whom I had work with, in the settlement department in central DC office. That was the only consolation I had, I was relieved at least there is someone I knew. When I really began to start off for the journey to my posting place it was in-deed a hard work . I had to seek help and information – including small details such as the Bus station . I do not know where to stay, where to lodge. I moved into the district blindly.  

During those days the transport - communication was pathetic. There was only one line bus plying from Imphal to Chakpikarong and it took about 6 hours  for a distance of a mere 77 km.

I went with my family, my first daughter still an infant. Surprisingly there were few office staff I could speak to in my own language at SDC office Chakpikarong , that gave me relief. Most of them were LAMBU ( office attendants) . They were like a family at that pointy of time.  I lodged in the house of one distant relative Mrs Varkhum , who was working as a Gram Sevak , for more than a month. I remain  indebted to her. Mentioned, maybe Khupkhotang Gangte, Thangkhosei Baite, Thongkhol Tuolien, who were both family and friends and office colleagues.

My second daughter ( the writer of this anecdote) was born when I was posted here. There was neither a Doctor nor a professional Nurse.

Chakpikarong sub – division is a beautiful place with natural abundance: The best part of my life in Chakpikarong  is going for fishing in the Chakpi river.

During general elections 1972 and later in the early 80s (later I was transferred in the District Hq) I was on election duty and had walked the length and breadth of the sub – division and the district on foot. And I must day it is a fertile land with natural scenic beauty. I also came in close contact with the locals and learnt many of their culture and practices.

The locals comprise of mainly three community group. Anal, Kuki( mostly the Haokips) and Zou. Two important River Chakpi and Kana ran through the sub division of Chakpikarong.

Most of the Anals settled in the valley basin of the Chakpi river, while Zou tribes settled mostly in the Kana basin . The infamous Sajik Tampak (insurgent hideout) is also an area inhabited by the Zou people.

The Kuki-Thadou people were spread in the hills of Mombi and spread to Zomun ( Burma) in the sub division and across the border in Lhajang-New Samtal, Muolcham . These too were areas of the valley insurgent’s hideouts.

·        

             December 1972 to February 1976

I was transferred back to Central DC office in Imphal. I moved back with my family , my second daughter again , still an infant.

This time I was posted in the Lamphel main Office. Working in the main administration and power centre of the state, though appear to be matter of pride , it has its own disadvantages.

Strictly work begins at 9 am and the day never end before 7 pm. In those days my mother was under medical treatment at Regional Medical college ( now Regional Institute of Medical Sciences- RIIMS) . I hopped between hospital, office and home with two children

I would like to recalled some of the Deputy Commissioners in central District Imphal in those days.  

Pu Menon is a sensitive officer and understand people’s need. When he was the Addl DC in Imphal it was very comfortable and smooth working under him. Pu Menon , never leaves any  file on his table for more than 5 minutes.

Pu Choudhary is a handsome fellow , he is also a well known footballer. He served as DC in central office for over 10 years. Pu A.H. Choudhury is an efficient Administrator. But there are also difficult bosses such as A Madan Jha, whom most of us, the staff were not comfortable with. He did not stay for long in Manipur too.

The subsequent division of the DC into five gradually happened , still the DC central ( now Imphal west) remains the power centre.

Since the DC bungalow is also his office in Babupara , all the files will be transported to the DC bungalow by the general section department in the evening and in the  morning all the files will be again transported back to the Lamphelpat office. I am not sure whether this is still going on.

It was stressful and hard work in the central DC office, but this period was a learning and understanding of the administration of the state for me. There were not many people from CCpur or tribals at large in the office those days . Those employed were mostly Lambus ( office attendants) and we were really close to each other.

Once it so happened that my transfer to DC’s bungalow order was suddenly issued.  I looked at it and some-how sensed that this is definitely will not be the DC’s order. So went to meet Pu Gouzagin ( State Minister ) and complained . He immediately called up the Deputy Commissioner and asked whether the transfer order was issued by him. To which the D.C. said he did not. Pu Minister told him to immediately cancel. So I was back to the Lamphel office. The next day, I could sense that my colleagues’ were quite surprise and curious.

I happened to deal with the ST/SC commission on the status report of each state during my tenure here. 

According to ST/SC commission, ST-SC students should avail the benefit of books, electricity bills etc even spoon in the hostel. Tribal student were supposed to take all this facilities free and later adjusted with their stipend. In state such as Kerala , Madras ( Tamil Nadu) these were followed systematically and properly.  

For brilliant ST/SC students they can avail scholarship besides the Stipend.  

A good scheme, but what is misunderstood is the term we used here in Manipur. We use the term scholarship in place of stipend. While other states received their stipend monthly, in Manipur Tribal students (and SCs) get their stipend only when the session ended. While there is no separate scholarship and stipend, the rate of the stipend also remains the same as in 10/20 years back.

Tribal scholarship and stipend is not the same, while scholarship is given to student who scored extra marks and topped in the class . Stipend is given to all ST/SC students when they go for higher studies after they passed matriculation.

Much as we did not differentiate between stipend and scholarship, tribal seat reservation and 100 point roster was also manipulated and misused.

Further the income certificate of the parent was made compulsory to avail this stipend (not scholarship) which is a very wrong move. Stipend is availed by ST /SC students because they are St/Sc and not because of their parents’ income.  There are many areas that should be amended but never taken up by the political leadership.

·        

          February 1977      

I was transferred to Churachandpur DC office. Here I had the privileges of working under the DC Pu  Tongkhohao Hangsing , Y. Radheshyam Singh , Thangkhopau Ngaihte and Th. Gouramani Singh. They were all promoted to DC on seniority basis.

When I joined my new office, Pu T Hangsing was the then DC, a smart officer, who is very knowledgeable and experienced. As I settled down in the new office, I submitted the filled-up T.A form, claiming my T.A. (travel allowances) . Pu Hangsing was not convinced with my claims for TA. He did not accept and insisted for proof of my claim. That is, my travel between Imphal and Churachandpur, basically the bus fare and luggage charges.

As per the insistence of the D.C for proof of my travel I took the Bus driver of that particular journey from Imphal to CCpur to the office. Fortunately, the Bus driver Kumar Singh was my old classmate and was kind enough to come with me. He stand in front of the DC as witnessed for my Travel, to helped me claim my T.A. and that was how my T.A bill problem was solved!!

Sometime in August 1978,  Pu A. Ibocha Singh, the then Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Tipaimukh was allegedly accused of rape of one local woman. The state government immediately issued an order for termination of his service with an advance salary for one month. The task to deliver this order and his one month advance salary , fell upon me.

I went by Bus till Thanlon and from there along with one Lambu we went by foot till Tipaimukh ( Parbung) It was raining the whole journey. It took two day to reach Parbung from Lamka. 2/3 Leeches were on my body when I removed my clothes the night we arrived Parbung. When I handed over the basic advance salary.  Pu Singh didn’t say much , we only exchanged pleasantries. He left Tipaimukh immediately the next day  for Imphal.  We stayed one more night in Parbung.

I came back on foot  via – Lawibual ,  spent one night at my village in Phaitong – then to Thanlon- from Thanlon by bus to Lamka.  The next day I reported to the office . Submitting the advance salary receipt of the SDO / Tipaimukh , I also submitted my report and T.A. (Travel Allowance) form too.  The complete two way journey was more than a week.  

Deputy Commisioner Pu Hangsing deducted 3 days allowance !!. The reason is best known to the D.C himself.

The said SDO/TPM Pu. Singh fought the rape allegation in the Imphal High Court and won his case. Within a few months he was back to service and was posted as Deputy Commissioner/ CCpur. When he joined I went up to him and introduced my-self ( mentioning that I was the one who came all the way to Parbung to deliver his advance salary ) Again , we only exchange pleasantries.  It was an odd moment.

·         Year 1980 to 1990 Chandel district

I was transferred to Chandel Deputy Commissioner’s office. I was promoted to Upper Division Clerk ( UDC) I move from  CCPur with all my Family.

It was again election year . I went walking on foot with colleagues on Election duty along the border areas of Molcham , Samtal / Lhajang . It was quite a risk; the areas were infamous for insurgent hideouts.

My days in Chandel District were particularly good, working under Pu Saichhuana DC. An honest and simple officer, I am fortunate to work under him for almost 3 years. The best time we had together is the fishing cum- picnic at Chakpi river on weekends and the social gathering such as Christmas at his official quarter.

Pu Saichhuana, is a down to earth person with a typical Mizo Tlawmngaihna ( Philantrophism) . Probably for his honesty he was consistently given the job of Finance Secretary in the secretariat, government of Manipur

Late 70s and early 80s were the period of the height of activities of underground outfits, particularly the valley outfits. Pu Saichhuana was un-deterred,  he continue his work un perturbed. Due to his personality , honesty and good work he was never threatened by any outfits,  unlike any other officers of his rank, who were umpteenth time receiving threats,  warning , demand for money.

During his tenure as DC / Chandel he brought many books for the District library and I had the privileged of reading many good books , beside administrative manuals . Many of those book were an eye opener and an insight. I got to read the Lushai Hills expedition 1891; The Chin-Lushai country; The Chin Lushai Expedition , the Assam Tribals , the Seize of Kohima etc.

Unlike many other officer of his rank and file, Pu Saichuanna never requires security cover. He lived a free life , played badminton at night at his official quarter in Babupara , Imphal while his colleagues were leading sheltered stressful life during those days. He said that it was because he was not corrupt  when I happened to asked him once how he could sleep peacefully in the night. 

In later part of my life I did realised I am also one such peaceful human being who could have good night sleep every day. I thought if we all have a non corrupt life , won’t we all be peacefully sleeping in the night ?

Surprise visit:

After Pu Saichuana left, our new DC was Pu Dhananjoy Singh. In 1983, we received a surprise visit of Manipur chief secretary Shri Baruah and Governor Adviser Pu Khathing . I was the cashier at that time. I was summoned in the DC chamber. All cash book, bill register, voucher pertaining from 1969 were demanded. They even demanded those pertaining to years before my posting in this office. The officers even scrutinised the bills etc page by page , even in the night at the bungalow they stayed. But the next day all my worked were marked Satisfactory, that made me feel very elated.

This satisfactory remark really motivates me and strengthens me. I could even stand up against wrong judgement and call for explanations.

The following year in 1984 one IAS officer came for approbation, Pu. A Nilakant Jha. We worked together on revenue and settlement matters. Once we argued over a submission of revenue collection from SDO –Tengnoupal. His stand was that I was wrong.  I lost my patience and sternly said  “ I have more  experience than you in dealing this matter” he was red faced and angry , but later cooled down , as he realised his limited knowledge and that he was very new in the job.   

Between July – December 1987 I went for Accounts Training in Imphal. I seriously attended classes and completed the course. Surprisingly, many of those who did not even attend class regularly all passed out in the exam,   while I was left behind ( as I did not pay money) . Far from being promoted after the training (the training purpose if basically for promotion) I was ordered to be transferred to  SDO office /Chandel , where I served between 1988-1989. In January 1990 I was asked to come back to the DC office / Chandel.

After 10 years service in DC office / Chandel district , I was posted back to Churachandpur district.

·     

           Year 1991 till  2001,  Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner’s office

I would say Churachandpur inhabitants are highly literate but are not educated. Everyone seem aware and highly patriotic but, no one knew ( or so it appears) about “land and Land holding” Nor I did not see any serious attempt to protect the lands.

Even the government had put provision for protection of tribal land under the MLR and LR act. 1960. But it is the tribal people who did not use these protection provisions. We have Autonomous District Councils ( ADCs) and counsellor to protect the land. But in most cases , these key institutions / bodies themselves are unaware of their roles, responsibility and power . They do not seem to even try to implement and make use of such provisions.

Tribal land cannot be transferred to non tribals, this is written in the MLR and LR act, and in any such case the ADC are authorised to give “no objection” then only the DC can give permission for transfer of land. But still we see many non tribal residential areas and possessing lands, and who is responsible?

I always attempt to do my best for the government. In one such case, I managed to get back a loan of Rs 2.50 lakhs loan/ premium from the police department, which was not repaid for more than 10 years.  I put this up during the auditing of the revenue department. The Police department were forced to pay back the loan/ premium.

·     

             Hill House Tax  

Tribals in Manipur pay hill house tax under the Manipur Hill House tax 1966, an amendment under the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reform Act 1960 . Around  1983 some of the tribal leaders submitted a memorandum / letter to the Government of Manipur stating that the Tribals cannot pay double tax.  This is a mis-understood and a mis-guided move.

Conveniently the valley people in Authority suspended the hill house tax.

This is one mistake we made, if we do not pay hill house tax; what and how do we identify and affirm ourselves as  hill dwellers (  as tribals) ? 

Some thoughts on the Administration system in Manipur

The present status of the Deputy Commissioner of a district is equivalent to a Joint Secretary in the Main- central Secretariat. But the DC does not even have a status quo with commissioner or a principal secretary. The DC need to seek an appointment to meet the Chief Secretary!! I feel there is a need to upgrade the District Secretariat into a Mini-Secretariat.

During the Manipur administration under one umbrella between say 1950 to 1964 ( while still an Union Territory)  the main Administrator was the Chief Commissioner , next to him is the Deputy Commissioner. After statehood, and transition to Government of Manipur, the Chief Commissioner post is upgraded to state Governor. But the Deputy Commissioner still remains as it is.

Moreover the position of the Chief Executive Officer of the ADC ( autonomous district council) need to be upgraded to the rank of the Secretariat’s secretaries. This will upgrade the ADC power. Of course, this will require a policy change.

The situation is such that the hill districts were excluded under ADC with no power to do anything in policy or financial front. There is no point in setting up ADC if they cannot make or have their own budget, policy etc. The ADC under the present situation is under the whims of the state government. The condition of the ADC is like a son who has a wife and lives separately, but keeps on seeking every day food and necessity from his parents. That is the present situation with the ADC.

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           Deputy Commissioner Pu Tiranikanti

He was the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district  in the late 90s. Once he asked me to work on electoral summary, where enumerators were to submit forms from all the sub divisions of SDOs/CCpur.  It hurt my ego and I became so angry that I wrote a note to the DC questioning why I was asked to do the job, while many of my juniors ( clerks) who have no work to do were not asked to do so. The note had an impact and the work assignment was cancelled.

Later, again the SDO / Henglep could not finish their work compilation for the electoral summary. Pu Tiranikanti , literally came over to me and requested “ Kindly supervise the staffs of Henglep”. Touched by his gesture I said “yes, I will supervise the staffs”

From then we were in good terms and this very DC became the person who recommended my promotion later. He wrote a note of recommendation to the Higher Authority saying “ he ( that means me)   is one of the most qualified UDC for promotion to Sub Deputy Collector”

Indicating that he supports my promotion and that I am sure to get it, Pu Tiranikanti began to invite me to take part in important official meetings along with him. He would tell the others that I will be doing the minute recordings as I will be shortly promoted.

In April 1999, Thirteen UDC - revenue staffs across Manipur were promoted to Sub Deputy Collector (SDC). Out them six were my juniors.

But the promotion by-passed me and I was not included

I went down to Imphal and met one senior advocate of the Imphal bench of Gauhati High Court . In December 2000 I filed a writ petition to the court. Immediately after one month in January 2001, an adhoc appointment order was issued.

My thoughts go back to the days of Pu Yangmasho Shaiza (Chief Minister 1977-1979). During his time the tribe quota and 100 point roster was strictly followed systematically. All promotions were automatically upgraded according to seniority. I thought, had Pu Shaiza been still alive and in power I would have been promoted long back!!

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            Promotion to Sub Deputy Collector (SDC) 

In January 2001 an order for my promotion to SDC was issued. But again I was transferred to Nungba , Tamenglong. With not many more years left for my retirement I thought I will not go anymore. Beside this my stand was that I had been “transferred “enough for too many a posting. For first time, I decided to disobey and fight.

Even the DC /CCpur send in his comment and remark to reconsider the posting. I even approached the State Human Rights Commission (which was very active those days) on the ground of my right to be heard.

Finally I was posted as Henglep /SDC (sub division in CCPur)

Then came the general election in 2004. Citing urgency and importance of the election I was transferred to Kangpokpi ( Senapati) . After some months and once elections were over I made an appeal again to be transferred back to Churachandpur district. Though I must say I had good and meaningful time with my clan members in Kangpokpi areas. I then came back to Churachandpur district.

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              Ethnic conflict

The ethnic conflict in the state and churachandpur in particular have left many homeless and give rise to kidnapping, extortion and breed more and more communal hatred among people.

From mid 90s onwards and particularly the 2000s, Churachandpur district also witnessed the rise of insurgent groups . This groups seem to be competing each other in terms of arms and ammunitions. This also tremendously brought down the economy of the district. Insurgent groups rule the roost

Their control continues unabated and hit the administrative set up as well. Head of Government offices and departments continuously received demand and warning letter from groups. Government office staffs were literally working under the diktat of the underground  outfits. Many “things” were done just to save their lives. Staffs go to office just for the sake of entering the duty register.  There were thin attendance and nobody sit in office after 2 pm.  

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           Retirement  and Epilogue 

Until my retirement I spent my last years of service as Sub Deputy Collector in the Sub Divisional Office/ Churachandpur district.  

My service is a total of 37 years 8 months and 11 days. During these period I was transferred and re-transferred in 11 offices across 4 districts of Manipur, Tengnoupal, Chandel , Churachandpur and  Senapati.

I can proudly say , during my service I never dis-respect my officers and involved in any corrupt practices.  Even after my retirement many staffs in my old office were still very close to me, they were happy seeing me if I happen to visit the office. 

In these more than thirty years I have had experiences of working under several IAS ( Indian Administrative  Service) officers. Personally and professionally some were quite down to earth and it was a privileged to work under them , while  I also  had difficult times with some of them. My earlier years in office were fairly good and the atmosphere was cordial. But as time evolves, the political- bureaucrat nexus became more and more prominent. A person like me, who is an odd one out in that power set up, became sort of a “scapegoat”.

Most of my work (job responsibility )  were related to Revenue; Revenue collection, Land Settlements and Land allotment. Some few cases re-surfaced in my mind : I wrote strong note(s) against proposals such as “ Land allotment for the purpose of Homestead land from Khas-land land ( belonging to the Government)” and other related Land and revenue matters . I knew, later that those actions had repercussions on me, directly and indirectly.

After much thought and pondering, I concluded that the truth is, I happened to be an “inconvenient” staff to many of my officer(s) . Given my numerous transfers and delayed promotion for a long period etc. (in government service, frequent transfers are considered a “punishment”).  

But, today, I praised God, who led me all through these difficult times until my retirement. I could make through this journey with humility that has strengthened my faith. I thanked God for all the blessings of my children (seven of them), my health and the rich experiences, which even enabled me to share this anecdotes. 

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